Seriously??!!

Caught in the act. Need I say more?

Got Ribs???

I know I am way behind on a lot of other posts but, I couldn't resist posting these pictures of Cooper from dinner tonight.

A Saturday Adventure

On Labor Day weekend we wanted to head to the beach. We checked the weather and the beaches about 1 1/2 hours South of here were supposed to be cold but a few beaches about 2 hours north of here were supposed to be warm. So, we packed up the car and headed out on a day trip. We got all the way to Bodega Bay and it was FREEZING!! Overcast, very windy and like 59 degrees. It is usually not a good sign when you see people basically in parkas standing on the beach. Needless to say we did not get out. We checked the little tourism office for other things to do in the area. We found out there was some horseback riding for the kids and a lighthouse about an hour south heading back towards our house so we set off that direction. We had some lunch at a yummy restaurant that had VERY slow service (not good for kids who have been in the car for basically 3 hours).
After that we took the kids horseback riding. They loved it! They were supposed to ride on ponies but, as you can tell from the picture those were NOT ponies. It was cool because they took them on a little trail ride instead of just around the arena. Paul and I walked alongside to make sure they were safe. After that, we headed to the lighthouse it was about 20 miles of winding back roads to get to it. Unfortunately they close the steps down to the lighthouse at 4:30 and that is exactly when we got there so the kids were a little bummed and keep asking to go back. As you can imagine, it was pretty windy and chilly up there. It had a beautiful view and it was still cool to see the lighthouse even if we couldn't go down to it. After that we headed home and were blessed to make it to a gas station since there were none for like 40 miles! It was a lot of driving but still fun to see a lot of the beautiful country up here and be together as a family.

First Day of School and Cooper Walking

Izzy started school last week. She loves her teacher and has been very excited to go to school. We walked everyday last week (up a giant hill). Maybe if we keep it up I will finally lose my last 15 lbs from having Cooper. I forgot the camera that morning so here is a picture after school. About a week and a half ago Cooper started taking a few steps and then the other day he took off across the room. He is still walking and crawling but I am sure it won't be too long before he is running with the rest of them. He walks with his arms up in the air and does a little side shuffle. We joke that he is doing the basketball shuffle and trying to play defense.

Hiking with Uncle Chet

Chet had to work in San Francisco a few weeks ago so he stayed for the weekend to visit. We decided to hike to a place called Little Yosemite. What we didn't realize is that during our dry season there isn't much to it. So, after wandering for a long while in what we termed "the lone and dreary wilderness" we headed back to the car. Even though the hike was a little bit of a bust, it is always fun to be with Chet.

I know you are going to love me for this picture Chet!



Seth LOVES sticks, I think this qualifies as a little more than a stick but every time we hike he has to have one. He has a smaller one in another picture.

The Olympics

Our kids have been loving watching the Olympics. Seth enjoyed watching the swimming, gymnastics and diving. Izzy in particular has loved the gymnastics. We would tivo it and then snuggle on my bed and watch it. It has really inspired her. I think it really connected what she has been doing in class. It helped her to see what they mean when they say straighten your legs and point your toes and to see what she could be able to do in the future. She has been doing gymnastics all over our house and has really improved over the last couple of weeks. It has been really fun. Her teacher talked to us about possibly joining the developmental team but I am not sure we are ready to commit to that yet. I wouldn't trade my years as a competitive gymnast for anything but I was much older and it was definitely my choice. As a matter of fact, I had to beg my parents to let me compete. She enjoys so many other activities I know she is not ready to give everything else up ( not that she would have to yet). So if and when she ever wants to I just want to make sure it is her choice and she is basically begging me because it is a big commitment! I know she doesn't look that happy but I think she was just so focused on watching she didn't know daddy was taking a picture. That is Seth's trademark position when relaxing. It cracks me up.

Pictures from Alice in Wonderland and Cooper's 1st birthday

I forgot to post the pictures from when Izzy got to play Alice in Alice in Wonderland. She remembered all of her lines and had a great time. What can I say, she loves to perform!! This was a picture with her teacher after the performance. Since it is just a class through the recreation program, they don't have very many costumes so she asked the girls to wear a dress. Izzy was very excited that her teacher told her she was dressed so perfectly like Alice they didn't need to add anything. This was the beginning of the show. We were so proud of her.

Here are a few pics from Cooper's birthday if you remember from an earlier post there was quite a bit of excitement with Seth hitting his teeth on the side of the pool. All I can say is it goes WAY TOO FAST!!I know, I know, how did I get a light haired, blue eyed child. Good question. It must be somewhere in the gene pool. I am happy to say that each child has different colored eyes (green, brown and blue). It looks like he may end up having curly hair too. So fun!
Cupcakes! Glorious Cupcakes! This was his first real taste of sugar. With his reflux and other allergies I have been pretty tight on his diet. I got made fun of for wanting organic cupcakes but, they were delicious! Thanks Marissa!